Royal Mansour A Universe of Inspiration

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Gilbert Sparks
6 years ago
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draw to this inspiring location known as the Red City. As the legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent once said, This city taught me colour.

1 Writers, poets, and artists have long been fascinated by Marrakech. From the unique architecture and heritage of crafts, to the lush surroundings and saturated hues of the gardens and exotic fragrances of the souks they all blend together to create an irresistible draw to this inspiring location known as the Red City. As the legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent once said, This city taught me colour. Royal Mansour A Universe of Inspiration For your own privileged glimpse at the very soul of Marrakech, you need look no further than the Royal Mansour. This remarkable hotel is the result of pure inspiration: a dream made real, and a spectacular recreation of a beautiful way of life. Faithful to architectural tradition, honouring heritage crafts as well as contemporary artistic talent, the Royal Mansour is aesthetically unparalleled. Yet its most memorable aspect is the sense of welcome that s where the real magic happens. Walking down winding passageways, wandering among leafy courtyards, lingering in the gardens, you ll wonder whether you re in a palace or an ancient medina. The Royal Mansour is a haven of luxury and privacy in the heart of Marrakech, and an endless source of true peace and leisurely pleasure. The moment you arrive at the astonishing entrance, you ll know you re in for a truly unforgettable experience. Chiselled bronze, cedarwood, and intricately carved plaster work harmonise on a monumental scale, echoing the great gates of Morocco s ancient imperial cities

The building itself is a masterpiece of Moorish-Andalusian architecture, reflecting the history and artistic heritage unique to this part of the world.

The Royal Mansour s role as a patron of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts is a vital aspect of its unique status among luxury hotels; with its 550-strong collection of paintings, the hotel also

The Medina and Grounds Rather than corridors, the Royal Mansour s 53 riads (houses built around a central courtyard) are connected by pathways within a private medina, where shrubs and flowers border

2 The building itself is a masterpiece of Moorish-Andalusian architecture, reflecting the history and artistic heritage unique to this part of the world. The layout of the main building stays true to the style of classical Moorish architecture, while the interior pays homage to the virtuosity of Morocco s artisan craftsmen. The Royal Mansour s role as a patron of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts is a vital aspect of its unique status among luxury hotels; with its 550-strong collection of paintings, the hotel also champions contemporary Moroccan artists. The Medina and Grounds Rather than corridors, the Royal Mansour s 53 riads (houses built around a central courtyard) are connected by pathways within a private medina, where shrubs and flowers border the alleyways, and gardens bloom in inner courtyards. Three gates on the grounds lead to the hotel, restaurants and spa, each distinguished by groves of olive, pomegranate or orange trees. The landscape architect, Luis Vallejo, created a sophisticated tribute to the art of Moroccan-style living, a setting where elite guests from royalty to presidents have enjoyed utter privacy. Through the year, the garden is perfumed by orange-flower, honeysuckle, jasmine, roses and oleasters, while daturas, bougainvillaea and carnations bring colour. In a land of sunshine, there must be shade, so palm trees sway gently overhead. There s not a sound to disturb your reveries, only the music of falling water, which plays such a vital role in any Moroccan garden

The Riads It s immediately apparent from the building and grounds alone that this is an enchanted place and that s before you ve even arrived at your living quarters.

Upon your arrival, a butler will accompany you to your door, which leads to an interior courtyard and, off that, a sitting room (and in bigger riads, a dining room).

Then there s your private roof terrace, with plunge pool, fireplace, and a tented space for private hammam treatments.

3 The Riads It s immediately apparent from the building and grounds alone that this is an enchanted place and that s before you ve even arrived at your living quarters. But if you can bear to leave the gardens, and make your way to your riad, you ll find your own private domain, a sanctuary of peerless refinement. Upon your arrival, a butler will accompany you to your door, which leads to an interior courtyard and, off that, a sitting room (and in bigger riads, a dining room). On the first floor, the bedrooms and bathrooms open onto a gallery looking down into the courtyard. Then there s your private roof terrace, with plunge pool, fireplace, and a tented space for private hammam treatments. Each of the riads has been individually furnished by craftsmen to demonstrate the infinite variety of Moroccan decorative arts. Every riad is different, owing to the selection of furniture and the way it is arranged, the choice of fabrics and colours, and the lighting design. Incorporated into these traditional interiors is cutting-edge tech designed to ensure guests comfort, such as the smart air-con system or a touchscreen-controlled retractable glass roof poised to cover the courtyard terrace at the first drop of rain. The Art of Service Guests at the Royal Mansour tend to feel an instant connection with their private riad, spending a lot of time at home during their stay. The butler s role is enhanced by a superb backstage team, who in turn rely on an ingenious system of underground tunnels. These allow staff to access the riads swiftly and discreetly, invisibly ensuring guests comfort, and taking great care to respect their privacy. Thus the art of service at the Royal Mansour reaches a degree of refinement that goes above and beyond the traditional hotelier s rulebook. The spa bathing rituals are at the heart of traditional Moroccan culture; the physical wellbeing they bring to the body lightens soul and spirit. The Royal Mansour s spa is entered via an impressive atrium of whitewashed wrought iron, its height and luminosity instantly creating a beautiful, calming atmosphere

The spa offers massage, facial treatments, hydrotherapy and body wraps on the first floor, while the two hammams and relaxation area are on the ground floor as well as a Watsu pool and a tea room

Hidden beneath ground level you ll find a state-of-the-art fitness studio with inhouse trainers, as well as a sauna.

4 The spa offers massage, facial treatments, hydrotherapy and body wraps on the first floor, while the two hammams and relaxation area are on the ground floor as well as a Watsu pool and a tea room serving light, healthy dishes, herbal teas and fruit juices. The hair and nail salons occupy five private cabins, while the glassroofed swimming pool opens onto the gardens. Hidden beneath ground level you ll find a state-of-the-art fitness studio with inhouse trainers, as well as a sauna. There are also three spa suites, which allow guests to book a private space for treatments and relaxation. Royal Mansour chefs provide light, healthy menus to be enjoyed on the suites private terraces, overlooking the ramparts of Marrakech for a truly unforgettable day of relaxation. Indeed, the spa experience at the Royal Mansour is so exceptional, it was named the winner of the 2016 Gala Spa Awards in the highly competitive luxury hotel category. Restaurants As you d expect from a 5-star hotel, fine dining is also a focal point at the Royal Mansour. Yannick Alléno, the much-lauded Parisian chef, believes that variety is key to a truly enjoyable dining experience. This simple idea colours his approach to the three Tables at Royal Mansour, where his combination of tradition and creativity achieves elevated results

La Grande Table Marocaine is a standard bearer for Morocco s culinary reputation and one of Morocco s top gastronomic destinations.

And finally, for simple pleasures from breakfast to dinner time, La Table offers light meals and snacks based on exceptional products prepared with perfect simplicity.

Whether it s an intimate supper for two or a gathering of family and friends, the menus of all three restaurants are on offer, or feel free to confer with one of the chefs to

5 La Grande Table Marocaine is a standard bearer for Morocco s culinary reputation and one of Morocco s top gastronomic destinations. La Grande Table Française offers French dishes with a Moroccan slant and plenty of creativity, on a menu that changes often, yet always attains gastronomic excellence. And finally, for simple pleasures from breakfast to dinner time, La Table offers light meals and snacks based on exceptional products prepared with perfect simplicity. Guests can also opt to be served in their private riad, at any time of day. Whether it s an intimate supper for two or a gathering of family and friends, the menus of all three restaurants are on offer, or feel free to confer with one of the chefs to create a bespoke menu a level of personalised service that is a hallmark of the Royal Mansour experience. Exotically elegant, breathtakingly beautiful, and sumptuously indulgent, the Royal Mansour is a magical world of inspiration you ll never want to leave. For more information or to book, please visit

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